IELTS General Training Writing Task 1: Extending a Lease Agreement

The Task:

Five months ago, you started renting an apartment on a six-month agreement. You now wish to stay in the apartment for longer than the six months you originally agreed with the owner.

Write a letter to the owner of your apartment. In your letter:

• say how long you now want to rent the apartment for
• explain why your plans have changed
• tell the owner about a problem in the apartment

Write at least 150 words.

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Band 9 Model Answer

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I am writing to formally request an extension on my current tenancy agreement for apartment 4B, which is scheduled to expire at the end of next month.

Ideally, I would like to renew the lease for an additional twelve months, effectively extending my stay until the end of next year. The reason for this change in my timeline is that my employer has recently offered me a permanent position at our regional headquarters here in the city. Originally, my work contract was only temporary, but this unexpected promotion means I will no longer be relocating as previously planned.

On a separate note, I must bring a minor maintenance issue to your attention. Over the past week, I have noticed a slow but persistent water leak originating from the pipe directly beneath the kitchen sink. I have placed a bucket underneath to prevent any water damage to the wooden cabinetry, but it will require a professional repair.

Please let me know if you are agreeable to the lease extension and when a plumber might be available to inspect the plumbing issue.

Yours sincerely,

David Miller

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💡 Why this is a Band 9 Answer:

• Task Achievement: All three bullet points are covered clearly and logically. The tone is perfectly suited for a formal relationship with a landlord—polite, clear, and professional.
• Coherence & Cohesion: Paragraphs are flawlessly structured, each dealing with a specific part of the instructions. Smooth transitions are used naturally (e.g., “The reason for this change,” “On a separate note”).
• Lexical Resource: Uses precise and appropriate vocabulary for renting and professional life (tenancy agreement, effectively extending, unexpected promotion, persistent water leak, professional repair).
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Employs a great mix of complex sentence structures flawlessly and maintains accurate verb tenses throughout.

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IELTS General Training Writing Task 2: Buying Local vs. Imported Goods

The Task:

Some consumers are increasingly choosing to buy goods that are produced in their local area, rather than imported goods.

What are the reasons for this?

Is this a positive or a negative trend?

Write at least 250 words.

Band 9 Model Essay

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer behavior, with a growing number of individuals opting to purchase locally produced goods over imported alternatives. This shift is primarily driven by rising environmental awareness and a desire to support regional economies. Overall, I consider this to be an overwhelmingly positive development that benefits both communities and the planet.

There are two primary reasons why consumers are increasingly favoring domestic products. Firstly, growing concerns about climate change have made people far more conscious of their personal carbon footprints. Imported goods, particularly food items, often travel thousands of miles via air or sea freight, generating substantial greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing local produce, consumers actively reduce these “food miles” and minimize their environmental impact. Secondly, there is a strong economic motivation. Purchasing from local farmers, artisans, and businesses ensures that capital circulates within the community. This sustains local employment, prevents small enterprises from being outcompeted by multinational corporations, and fosters a strong sense of regional solidarity.

I firmly believe that this localization of consumer habits is a highly beneficial trend. From an economic standpoint, it creates more resilient and self-sufficient communities that are less vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, local food products are frequently fresher and more nutritious, as they are harvested at peak ripeness rather than being chemically treated to endure long international transit times. While imported goods certainly offer the convenience of variety, the overarching advantages of prioritizing community-sourced items far outweigh the luxury of having out-of-season produce available year-round.

In conclusion, the rising preference for locally manufactured and grown goods stems from environmental consciousness and a desire to bolster local economies. This is an undeniably positive trend that promotes ecological sustainability, strengthens community ties, and often provides consumers with a superior, fresher end product.

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💡 Why this is a Band 9 Answer:

• Task Response: Fully addresses both questions in the task instructions. It clearly explains the driving factors (environmental and economic) and takes a strong, well-supported stance that it is a positive trend.
• Coherence & Cohesion: The essay flows logically with clear topic sentences. Linking devices are used masterfully to build the argument (Firstly, Secondly, Furthermore, From an economic standpoint, In conclusion).
• Lexical Resource: Showcases exceptional, topic-specific vocabulary (carbon footprints, greenhouse gas emissions, regional solidarity, resilient and self-sufficient communities, supply chain disruptions).
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Uses a wide variety of complex grammatical structures perfectly, creating a sophisticated, persuasive, and academic tone.

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